June 17, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

June 17 is World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, a day promoted by the United Nations to raise awareness about soil degradation and the lack of freshwater, two of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. This day emphasizes the need to act to protect terrestrial ecosystems and ensure food security for millions of people.

Desertification is a process in which fertile lands are degraded to the point of losing their productive capacity, often due to human activities such as deforestation, overexploitation of resources, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Added to this is the impact of climate change, which worsens drought and accelerates the loss of arable land.

Combating desertification and drought is essential to protecting biodiversity, curbing rural poverty, and ensuring a sustainable future. Every action counts: caring for the earth is caring for life.